From: [email protected] To: Council Cc: perotondi Subject: Emergency Moratorium Support - Digital copy of document submitted at 9/27/2016 Council Meeting Date: Wednesday, September 28, 2016 12:57:51 PM Attachments: 2016 Coal Train Derailments.docx 2015 Coal Train Derailments.docx 2014Coal Train Derailments.docx 2013 Coal Train Derailments.docx 2012 oal Train Derailments.docx 2011 Coal Train Derailments.docx 2010 Coal Train Derailments.docx

September 27, 2016 Dear Council Members, Thank you for extending the emergency ordinance moratorium on accepting or processing of permits for new or expanded unrefined fossil fuel shipment facilities in the Cherry Point UGA. Facts and history show that every step in the shipment of unrefined fossil fuels endangers public health, public safety and our environment. While each stage and mode of transport for every type of unrefined fossil fuel poses its own significant danger to health, safety and our environment, I have listed below the dangers posed by just one component and just one type of unrefined fossil fuel – The Dangers of Coal Trains1 Coal trains are the longest, heaviest, noisiest and most polluting of all trains Longest: coal trains typically are about 1 ½ miles (8500’) long and because coal trains are so long they block every railroad crossing they pass for up to 10 minutes. The Ferndale School District alone has 18 railroad crossings. Coal trains blocking traffic at crossings prevents business vehicles, private passengers, and emergency responders from getting where they’re needed. Health impacts of delays at railroad crossings2: “In the modern medical era, a five to ten minute delay in emergency medical service (EMS) response time can make the difference between life and death, particularly for cardiovascular events, respiratory emergencies, and trauma.” “Among the locations where citizens are at greatest risk of EMS delays are the arterial roads in western Whatcom County - particularly Birch Bay-Lynden Road and Slater Road. These roads are highly traveled by EMS and other vehicles.” “Thus, frequent prolonged closures could have a life-threatening impact.” “While there are alternative routes around any one crossing at these locations, the detours themselves are long and would still result in significantly prolonged emergency response times.” Heaviest: Each coal train can have up to 150 coal cars each weighing 239,800 lbs. with a total train weight of over 35,970,000 lbs. Because of their extreme weight, one coal train needs four or five diesel locomotives. Most Polluting Diesel Particulate Emissions and Coal Dust Emissions: Diesel Particulate Emissions Diesel engines produce numerous carcinogenic toxins and 2.5 micron Diesel Particulate Emissions. These emissions are so small that they are breathed deeply into the lungs and passed directly into the blood stream. Health Impacts of Exposure to Diesel Emissions Causes2: Increased risk of lung cancer, bladder cancer, cancer of soft tissues, cancers of the blood, cancer of lymph systems - including leukemia. Increased risk of cardiac and pulmonary problems including heart attacks, strokes, emphysema, congenital heart abnormalities, high blood pressure, impaired lung development in children and adolescents, and asthma including increased severity and frequency of asthma attacks and need for ER visits and hospitalizations. Coal Dust Emissions According to BNSF an average rail car loses 500 pounds of coal dust traveling from the Powder River Basin to its destination. Coal cars can lose “a pound of coal per mile per car”3. Even return trip “empty” cars release substantial coal dust emissions.4 Coal dust causes health problems when it is inhaled and coal dust also causes health problems by contaminating food and water. Coal dust contains toxins including arsenic and “… in all size fractions contains varying amounts of heavy metal contaminant such as Lead, Mercury, Chromium and Uranium.”5 Health Impacts of Coal Dust Include2: Breathing Airborne Coal Particles: Increased cancer risk Increased lung diseases including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), chronic bronchitis, asthma and exacerbation of asthma. Eating Food Contaminated with Coal Dust: The arsenic, boron, and heavy metals in coal dust can contaminate farmland, animal pasture, and especially fisheries. Arsenic concentrates in food crops such as apples and rice and is associated with increased rates of: skin, bladder and lung cancers and cardiovascular and lung disease Nosiest: Coal trains’ extreme weight, length and 4 to 5 diesel locomotives produces inescapable noise often for 5 miles or more. The noise results from the multiple diesel-engines, rolling wheels, wheel impact at joints, squealing at curves, shifting cars, and blowing horns. With few exceptions, engineers are required to blow train horns in a pattern of 2 long: 1 short: 1 long for 15 to 20 seconds at a volume level of 96-110 decibels at public crossings. Health Impacts of Noise 2 Pollution includes : Cardiovascular disease - including increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, vasoconstriction, elevated stress hormones, arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease, and strokes. Cognitive impairment in children - Children exposed to increased noise have shown lower academic achievement in various forms including reading, learning, problem solving, concentration, social and emotional development, and motivation. Sleep disturbance - including delay in falling asleep, frequent night time awakenings, decreased depth of sleep and decreased alertness resulting in increased rate of accidents, injuries and premature death. Mental health problems - Increased noise is known to accelerate and intensify development of latent mental health disorders including depression, mental instability, neurosis, hysteria, and psychosis. Diminished quality of life. Economic Impacts of Coal Trains: Increased Burden on Taxpayers for Railroad over/underpasses By law, taxpayers pay 95% or more of the cost of all new railroad overpasses/underpasses/street grid changes necessary to reduce the impact of additional rail traffic. Example: A project (Sept. ’12 – Dec.’13) to construct an overpass structure over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe tracks in Riverside, CA is costing $32,300,000 of which - Local Funds $3.2 million 10% State Funds $16.5 million 51% Federal Funds $11.3 million 35% BNSF Railroad Funds $1.4 million 4% Decreased Property Values Prior to 2008 coal trains seldom came through Whatcom County. Whatcom County realtors reported buyers refusing to consider purchasing some properties near railroad tracks when the coal terminal was proposed for Cherry Point in 2012. In Bellingham, the only properties that have languished in recovering value since the 2008 housing market collapse are those closest to the train tracks. Property values decrease by 10% or more depending upon proximity to tracks and loudness of train noise.6 Each additional daily freight train trip has negative and statistically significant impacts upon home sale prices.7 Commercial, residential and public property near tracks can suffer structural damage caused by vibrations resulting from the coal trains’ extreme weight/length. Coal Trains Endanger the Safe Operation of All Trains According to BNSF an average rail car loses 500 pounds of coal dust traveling from the Powder River Basin to its destination. Coal cars can lose “a pound of coal per mile per car”3. The coal dust emitted by coal trains moving along railroad tracks not only endangers public health, safety, and the environment but also endangers the safe operation of coal trains and all other trains travelling the same tracks. In a 2011 lawsuit about the cause of train derailments8, BNSF testified that the train derailments were caused by coal dust from coal trains. BNSF testified that its own studies proved that coal dust from coal trains, “destabilizes rail bed ballast”, “interferes with track stability”, and “when combined with water from extraordinary amounts of precipitation weakens the rail bed and causes track failure”. Coal trains use the same tracks as the crude oil and chemical trains heading to our existing Cherry Point industries thus increasing the risks of catastrophic crude oil or chemical train derailments/explosions. Coal trains threaten the safe operation of our existing Cherry Point Industries and their hundreds of good jobs.

The attached seven documents provide a list, by year, of 114 coal train derailments that occurred in the United States and Canada from 2010 through 2016. Although it may not include every coal train derailment that occurred during these years, it documents coal train derailments that caused fatalities, injuries, private property damage, public property damage and railroad crossings blocked for hours and even days. I thank-you for enacting the emergency moratorium and for extending it. Sincerely, Paula Rotondi

REFERENCES 1. The Proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal (GPT) FACTS and IMPACTS researched and written by Save Birch Bay, a non-partisan, non-profit, group of concerned citizens 2012-2013 2. Whatcom Docs Position Statement on Coal Shipments to Cherry Point 3. Simpson Weather Associates 1993. Norfolk southern rail emission study: consulting report prepared for Norfolk Southern Corporation. Charlottesville, VA 4. Queensland Government Environmental Protection Agency Report. 2008. Environmental evaluation of fugitive coal dust emissions from coal trains Goonyella, Blackwater, and Moura coal rail systems, Queensland rail limited. Connell Hatch and Co. Final Report. 5. Sharma PK, Singh G. 1991. Distribution of suspended particulate matter with trace element composition and apportionment with possible sources in Raniganj coalfield India. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 22:237 - 244. 6."The Relationship Between Property Values and Railroad Proximity" 2000 http://folk.uio.no/pettervh/jostrand/railroad.pdf 7. “The effect of freight railroad tracks and train activity on residential property values.” Appraisal Journal June 22, 2004 Simons, Robert A.; Jaouhari, Abdellaziz El 8. 2011 EB SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD DECISION Docket No. FD 35305 ARKANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CORPORATION-PETITION FOR DECLARATORY ORDER http://1.usa.gov/XWiWT2 2010 McGrew, NE December 26, 2010 an eastbound UP coal train with 135 loaded coal cars and three locomotives derailed. The 59 derailed coal cars formed a massive pile-up of derailed and overturned coal cars and spilled coal. Manitou, KY December 18, 2010 A CSX coal train derailed spilling coal and causing heavy damage. Approximately 13 railroad cars were involved in the derailment. The cars were carrying coal at the time and tons of coal was spilled. Some trees adjacent to the derailment were knocked down. Pueblo, CO November 27, 2010 A BNSF train hauling coal from Wyoming to Texas derailed in Pueblo. Resident onlookers reported that the crash produced huge, billowing clouds of smoke and debris. The train had 120-loaded coal cars. Thirty-one rail cars derailed spilling the coal. Madisonville, KY October 9, 2010 A CSX coal train derailed in Madisonville spilling tons of coal and causing heavy damage to the roadway, track and rail cars. The derailment occurred over a crossing directly behind the Regional Medical Center. Approximately 15 coal cars overturned and coal spilled out onto the roadway and onto the areas next to the tracks. Two of the overturned cars hung perilously over a tunnel on North Kentucky Ave.

Madisonville KY By WSAZ News Staff Oct 08, 2010 WSAZ News Channel3

Chapman WV October 8, 2010 A CSX 150 car coal train derailed near the Logan County Country Club. Between 21 and 24 coal cars jumped the tracks and dumped coal onto the highway. Kearney, NE September 8, 2010 Two Union Pacific trains passing each other on different lines collided and derailed. One of the trains was traveling eastbound with 105 cars and the other train was traveling westbound with 126 cars. The eastbound train was fully loaded, hauling coal from Wyoming to Kansas City. The westbound coal train was empty and was traveling from Kansas City to Wyoming. A total of 58 rail cars derailed. 18 empty rail cars from the westbound coal train derailed and 40 of the fully loaded eastbound coal cars derailed and spilled their coal. Quantico, VA August 5, 2010 a CSX 79 car coal train bound for Newport News derailed. The derailed coal cars blocked both tracks at Quantico causing the cancellation of all train service between Richmond and Washington as well as other trains that travel the corridor from New York to points in North Carolina and Florida. Melrose, Iowa August 3, 2010 a Burlington Northern Santa Fe coal train with 119 loaded cars derailed at Melrose, Iowa. The train was heading from Wyoming to Chicago when 29 cars derailed. More than two dozen trains were delayed up to 36 hours after the accident. The derailed cars fell on their sides and about 4,150 tons of coal spilled. BNSF said the cleanup will take several days. Drummond, MT August 1, 2010 a Boardman, OR coal train derailed 41 of 115 cars seven miles east of Drummond, MT. Prince George B.C., Canada July 21, 2010 A CN coal train derailed with 16 coal cars off the tracks. Apple Creek, ND July 10, 2010 A BNSF train derailed in North Dakota spilling tons of coal along the banks of Apple Creek. 31 freight cars derailed and 29 of them tipped over onto their sides. Two of the derailed freight cars remained upright. The derailment caused a grass fire that spread across two acres on the south side of the track. Silver Lake, KS July 9, 2010 a fully loaded Union Pacific coal train derailed and dumped its cargo into Soldier Creek. The derailment disrupted railroad crossings in northwest Shawnee County. The eastbound train went off the track while crossing over the Soldier Creek bridge causing coal cars to crash into each other. The coal cars were piled as many as three high lay on the east side of the bridge and some were buried under the coal. Other coal cars were sandwiched together on the bridge and continued to intermittently spill coal into the water, causing the creek to back up on the north side of the bridge. Nearly 20 of the mangled train cars lay along the tracks near the . Duluth, KS July 8, 2010 23 cars of a Union Pacific coal train derailed in Duluth, Kansas. The train was going from Wyoming to southeast Missouri. Stafford County, VA June 6, 2010 100-car CSX coal train derailed and six loaded cars of coal overturned in Stafford County’s Ferry Farm area. Only two employees were on board the 100-car freight train when the derailment occurred. The rail cars overturned and spilled coal down an embankment within several feet of the road’s edge. Gladstone, VA April 1, 2010 A CSX coal train derailed next to the Tye River in Nelson County. 22 loaded coal cars derailed spilling coal into a tributary of the James River. Waterloo, IN March 26, 2010 A Norfolk Southern loaded coal train left the tracks in the middle of town in Waterloo, Indiana. 38 coal cars derailed and spilled 5500 tons of coal all over the tracks and ground. Meyersdale, PA February 5, 2010 a CSX coal train with two engines and 130 loaded coal cars derailed totally wrecking 113 cars. The train was going down a decline when 113 cars separated from the train and spilled their coal by Willis Creek which is alongside the track. Caledonia, WI February 25, 2010 Three Wisconsin Electric Power coal cars derailed on a just south of the Oak Creek Power plant.

2011

Montrose, IA December 11, 2011 BNSF Railway spokesperson Amy McBeth said this morning that the 21-car train was westbound at Sandusky with 135 loads of coal and three locomotives when it derailed Crews worked Sunday to clean up coal and repair the tracks The railroad will use a river barge today to retrieve two cars from the Mississippi River and five from along the river’s edge. After a BNSF coal train derailed on Sunday, Dec. 11, River Road was closed down for several days. One resident, Tim Hickey, was curious about the criteria for a private business asking for a road closure. His concern stems from the fact that the road was closed for several days with no activity going on at the crash site. The railroad intended on having a scrapping company come and cut up the wrecked railroad cars, but that was delayed. Vanderhoof, BC December 21, 2011 According to CN, 22 train cars fully loaded with coal jumped the tracks on Dec. 21, 2011 approximately 10 kilometers East of Vanderhoof. Travelers riding VIA’s passenger train had to be bussed from Smithers to Prince George just days before Christmas when tracks were blocked from a derailment. 18 fully-loaded coal cars had jumped the tracks several other freight trains were delayed and coal was spilled, Galland, BC, Canada December 2011 A NSF Railway spokesperson said three empty coal cars derailed near Galland. Spartanburg, SC December 4, 2011 Several cars of a CSX train that was hauling coal derailed in Spartanburg. CSX said the train was heading from Kentucky to Georgia when six cars went off the tracks. Four of the cars overturned, spilling coal onto the tracks and into the parking lot of the Spartanburg Solid Waste Transfer Station. Topeka, KS November 15, 2011 Union Pacific spokesman Mark Davis says 22 cars of a 142-car train hauling coal from Wyoming to Illinois went off the tracks first. A 122-car train bound from Kansas City, Kan., to Salina then hit the derailed cars. Ten empty cars of the westbound train then went off the tracks. About 600 feet of track in each direction had to be replaced. Crews used heavy equipment to move the damaged cars and scoop up the spilled coal. Peetz, NE October 26, 2011 A coal train derailed at Logan County Road 74 and State Highway 113 in Peetz. 22 coal-hauling cars from an eastbound train left the rails which then caused 10 cars from a westbound train to . Charleston, WV October 5, 2011 A CSX Coal Train Derailment at Charleston, WV. 15 cars of a CSX coal train derailed. Coal cars seventy through at least eighty five derailed and either accordionned together or onto their sides. One of the derailed cars came to rest on its side across in front of a home at 4505 Lancaster Ave. Emmett, KS September 5, 2011 A Union Pacific coal train carrying coal from Wyoming derailed in Pottawatomie County. 56 coal cars derailed. There was extensive damage to a 270-foot bridge over Cross Creek from the derailment. Denison, IA July 31, 2011 A 136-car Union Pacific train hauling coal from Wyoming to Illinois derailed. 22 loaded cars derailed spilling coal and wrecked hopper cars along an 800 foot stretch of tracks and snarling traffic in Denison. Bloomington, IN July10, 2011 An Indiana Rail Road Company train loaded with coal and headed for an Indianapolis Power & Light station derailed. 35 coal cars left the tracks spilling tons of coal for three- quarters of a mile on the ground alongside Garrison Chapel Road near the Monroe County Airport. Officials reported it would take several days to get the coal cleaned up.

Ashdown, AK July 5, 2011 A coal train derailed along Highway 71 in Little River County. More than 30 loaded coal cars went off the tracks.

PHOTO BY AP / THE TEXARKANA GAZETTE, EVAN LEWIS 31 coal train car derailment Ashdown, Ark. July 5, 2011

Red Oak, Iowa April 17, 2011 eastbound BNSF Railway coal train collided with the rear end of a standing BNSF Railway maintenance-of-way equipment train resulting in the death of two BNSF crewmembers and the derailment of 2 locomotives and 12 cars. The lead locomotive‘s modular crew cab was detached, partially crushed, and involved in a subsequent diesel fuel fire. Both the engineer and conductor in the lead locomotive of the coal train were fatally injured. Damage was in excess of $8.7 million. Surveyor, WV April 14, 2011 A Norfolk Southern coal train consisting of three pulling locomotives on the front, 100 loaded coal cars, and three pusher locomotives at the rear derailed. 18 loaded coal cars left the tracks spilling their loads and leaving the cars in a mangled pile of steel, coal and other debris. The location of the derailment is the same stretch of track that has been the site of several past train derailments. BISMARCK, ND March 18, 2011 an eastbound BNSF train with 101 fully loaded coal cars derailed. 14 rail cars loaded with coal to left the tracks. 13 rail cars were completely destroyed and one of the coal cars was salvageable. Fernie, B.C., Canada March 8, 2011 A Canadian Pacific Railway unit coal train comprising 3 locomotives and 115 loaded coal cars derailed with a total of 27 coal cars derailed. FAYETTE COUNTY, WV March 3, 2011 A CSX five car coal train derailed Thursday March 3 near Springdale WV closing a section of Route 20. The five derailed loaded coal cars were off the tracks but not overturned. Fort Fraser/Prince George, B.C., CA February 14, 2011 A CN coal train derailed resulting in derailment of 36 coal cars. Mendota, IL February 11, 2011 a coal train derailment in Chicago's far west suburbs. Twelve of the train's coal cars came off the track and dumped coal on the ground. The train, which was headed to Illinois from Wyoming, had two locomotives and 129 cars total. An Amtrak spokesperson said trains cannot travel through the area immediately impacting four Amtrak trains that travel to the West Coast. McBride, B.C., Canada January 2, 2011 A CN coal train derailed south of McBride, closing the rail line to Prince George. Preliminary reports indicate that 33 loaded coal cars destined for Prince Rupert were derailed.

2012 St. Charles, VA December 9, 2012 Lee County, VA - A loaded CSX coal train derailed and landed on a parked vehicle in Lee County. The vehicle driver was killed and the vehicle passenger was seriously injured. Grantville, KS November 12, 2012 A Union Pacific coal train derailed. The derailed train sent debris from 23 mangled and overturned coal cars into a nearby home. The debris knocked down one of the home’s wall and came close to a 4-year-old boy who was sleeping in the top of a bunk bed; the Jefferson County Sheriff said a piece of rail landed on the bottom bunk of the child's bed. Painstville, KY November 2012 a locomotive and four coal cars derailed. The coal cars remained upright and were empty at the time of the derailment but Highway 581 at Thealka was closed for several hours. Ashby, NE October 9, 2012 An eastbound Burlington Northern Santa Fe coal train pulling more than 100 loaded coal cars derailed. 29 loaded coal cars went off the tracks, landed on their sides and spilled their coal. Oktaha, OK September 20, 2012 A loaded Union Pacific coal train derailed and sparked a fire near Old Highway 69 and 93rd Road. 31 loaded coal cars went off the tracks along a two-mile area and flames from the train sparked a grass fire. The sheriff said the fire department brought in a special apparatus from Texas to help put out the flames. Oktaha Road between Oktaha and Muskogee was closed due to the accident. Ellicott City, MD August 20, 2012 An eastbound CSX coal train derailed while crossing the railroad bridge over Main Street in Ellicott City's historic district killing two college students. Both students were sitting on the bridge at the time of the derailment and were killed by the spilled coal. The train consisted of two locomotives and 80 loaded coal cars. 21 loaded coal cars flipped over, including seven that fell onto vehicles in a parking lot below the bridge. The Howard County Executive said, "Many of those train cars fell onto automobiles, literally fell onto automobiles with the coal. So you have massive piles of coal and heavy train cars on top of automobiles." A number of the derailed coal cars went into a wooded area where the track runs along the Patapsco River. Coal spilled into a tributary of the Patapsco River, a major Maryland waterway that parallels the tracks. A spokesperson for the Maryland Department of the Environment said much more coal lay along the edge of the tributary, raising concerns it could boost the acidity of the water or threaten aquatic life. Grants, NM August 10, 2012 An unloaded BNSF coal train derailed. 30 empty coal cars came off the tracks blocking the railway route for several hours. Amtrak's Southwest Chief headed to Chicago was delayed 11 hours. Raleigh, WV August 2, 2012 A CSX train derailed while traveling over a bridge through the town of Raleigh. The train had 4 locomotives and 75 freight cars carrying coal. 6 loaded coal cars derailed, tipped over, and spilled coal into Piney Creek. The bridge collapsed behind the train derailment. Saline County, KS July 29, 2012 A Union Pacific train with three engines and 109 cars hauling a large amount of coal derailed. Officials said approximately 25 cars derailed and dumped their loads of coal. Sparks from the derailment started a grass fire that burned about two acres. Havelock, NC July 16, 2012 A Norfolk Southern train engine pushing 16 loaded coal cars ran off the tracks on a spur leading to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock, North Carolina. Five train cars derailed as the slow-moving train entered the base. A Norfolk Southern spokesman said each of the 50-foot cars carries about 100 tons of coal. Jefferson County, KS July 15, 2012 A Union Pacific coal train en route from Wyoming to Kentucky with 135 loaded coal cars derailed. Seven coal cars came off the tracks. Princeton, IN July 2012 A Norfolk Southern coal train derailed. Three railroad crossings were closed because of the damaged track and spilled coal piled up on the track. Pendleton, TX July 4, 2012 a BNSF coal train derailed. Forty-three coal cars flipped off the tracks and spilled coal. The train crew reported seeing a “hot spot,” indicating damage on the tracks, but was unable to stop the train in time to avoid it. Tons of coal spilled from the buckled, torn and folded cars and clouds of coal dust and debris could be seen for miles.

Northbrook/Glenview, IL July 4, 2012 A Union Pacific coal train with three locomotive engines and 138 loaded coal cars in a Chicago suburb. The bridge overpass over Shermer Avenue collapsed in the derailment. Officials initially said no one was injured but the next day as crews began clean-up they found a car with two dead motorists under the tons of coal and wreckage. Because about a third of the train had passed the 86-foot- long bridge before it collapsed, the locomotives and about 100 coal cars did not derail. 38 coal cars derailed killing two motorists and sparking a small brush fire.

A Union Pacific freight train hauling coal derailed near Glenview and Northbrook July 4, 2012 and killed two people. By Stan Golovchuk GlenviewPatch.com

Mesa, WA July 2, 2012 A BNSF coal train with 4 locomotives and 125 loaded coal cars derailed. 31 loaded coal cars derailed and spilled their coal; approximately 6 million pounds of coal was spilled. All rail traffic on the BNSF main line route was halted. Each day about 30 trains including about four coal trains and the Portland-Chicago Amtrak move through the area which is about 20 miles north of the Tri-Cities. The train with was transporting coal from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming to a coal export terminal in Delta, B. C., Canada. The derailed train caused a large cloud of coal dust and debris, blocked a public street and prevented access to a grain elevator and a home. Portageville, MO June 2012 A southbound BNSF coal train with 135 coal cars derailed. 29 of the train’s loaded coal cars derailed. City, KS June 27, 2012 A Union Pacific coal train en route to Memphis, Tennessee from a mine in Colorado derailed and blocked two different crossings within Junction City. The derailment happened close to I-70 on the eastbound side near Exit 296 for South Washington Street in Junction City. 23 coal cars were overturned, laying on their side or mangled and destroyed due to the accident. Coal, debris and pieces of the train tracks were scattered throughout the accident site. Collins, MS May 9, 2012 A Canadian National coal train derailed outside Collins, Mississippi. The southbound train had approximately 105 cars all filled with coal. Nearly two dozen coal cars jumped the tracks and an undetermined amount of coal was spilled. A small bridge and some track were damaged. Officials said it would take about 3 days to clean up the site and make repairs. Salmon Arm, BC April 30, 2012 A Canadian Pacific coal train derailed east of Salmon Arm in Canoe, B.C. A Canadian Pacific spokesperson said the train and ten cars went off the rails. The train derailment knocked down a power line leaving 950 customers without electricity. Houston, BC February 21, 2012 46 Canadian National Railway coal cars derailed near Houston and Smithers, British Columbia. The derailment spilled coal, and damaged railway cars and rail tracks. Kearney, Nebraska Jan 26, 2012 a 19-year-old University of Nebraska- Kearney student was killed when the pickup he was driving was rammed by a coal train at an Odessa crossing. A Union Pacific spokesman said no one on the train was injured and the three locomotives and 123 cars full of coal did not derail. The Union Pacific spokesman said the crossing had white X markings and stop signs but no gates or flashing lights. Hinton, Alberta, Canada January 18, 2012 3 loaded coal cars ran uncontrolled and collided with stationary train. Nine of the 13 cars and the 3 leading locomotives from the train derailed. One crew member was seriously injured and two crew members sustained minor injuries. Approximately 2800 liters of fuel and 740 tons (1.6 million pounds) of coal were spilled.

2016

August 21, 2016 Roanoke, TX A Union Pacific coal train carrying coal from Wyoming to Texas derailed off a bridge over Denton Creek. 26 loaded coal cars fell off the bridge. The derailed coal cars landed on the banks and in the water of Denton Creek. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality reported three of the loaded coal cars fell directly into Denton Creek. Denton Creek is one of the creeks flowing into Grapevine Lake which is the drinking water source for Dallas, Fort Worth, and other cities south and east of the lake. Neither state nor railroad officials specified how much coal fell directly into the water. A UP spokesman said it would take at least a week to clean-up the wreckage and spilled coal. State highway officials closed Highway 377 from FM1171 to Bobcat Boulevard to accommodate the crews and heavy equipment.

Photos curtesy of Sandy Pettigrew, Roanoke Police Department August 21, 2016 26 Union Pacific coal cars derailed and three of them fell into Denton Creek. Spring City, TN July 28, 2016 A Norfolk Southern coal train consisting of 3 locomotives and 122 loaded coal cars derailed near Highway 27 in Spring City. Approximately 45 loaded coal cars derailed and some of the cars fell over onto their sides. Norfolk Southern said the train crew was not injured. One witness reported seeing sparks underneath the train first and then seeing the coal cars flip over onto their sides, and more coal cars crashing into those that had already come to a stop and spilled coal.

Lincoln, NE Jun 14, 2016 A BNSF train with 135 loaded coal cars derailed near 7th and N streets in Lincoln. 15 coal cars went off the track near Pinnacle Bank Arena and at least two fell onto their sides and spilled their coal onto the ground. A BNSF spokesman said the train had just left the yard and was moving slowly at the time. The railroad crossing at 1st Street was blocked for about five hours. Jackson County, IO May 23, 2016 a fully loaded Canadian Pacific coal train derailed in a remote, wooded area near the Mississippi River. 28 loaded coal cars derailed, tipped and spilled coal. Heavy equipment had to be used cut a road to reach the derailment site, cut-up and remove the damaged coal cars and scoop up and haul away the spilled coal. Kanawha County, WV May 5, 2016 a train with two locomotives and 150 loaded coal cars derailed in the eastern Kanawha County. Nine coal train cars jumped the tracks and four overturned and spilled their coal onto a roadway.

Bairdstown, Ohio April 20, 2016 A CSX coal train headed to Chicago derailed. CSX reported that one of coal car was off the track.

Granger, WY March 14, 2016 Two Union Pacific trains collided and derailed; one was a loaded coal train and the other was an intermodal train. Ambulance services took an unknown number of injured persons to Memorial Hospital. The injuries were said to not be serious. 2015 San Antonio, TX December 4, 2015 A Union Pacific coal train with 140 loaded coal cars derailed on the South Side of San Antonio. Six cars came off the tracks and four tipped over and spilled their coal. Danville, IO November 9, 2015 A BNSF coal train with 135 loaded coal cars derailed. The coal train struck a grader crossing the tracks that was being used for repairs on nearby U.S. Highway 34. The grader driver was tossed about 40 feet and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital. Two locomotives derailed and 21 loaded coal cars derailed and spilled their coal.

Danville Iowa train derailment, pictures courtesy Eastern Iowa Fireground WXOW News 9/9/2015

St. Francis, WI September 29, 2015 A Union Pacific coal train collided with a Union Pacific train carrying rails. One of the train cars carrying rail flipped over. The train derailment forced the closure of several streets in St. Francis and Cudahy to eastbound and westbound traffic. Sparwood, B.C., Canada July 31, 2015 A Canadian Pacific coal train derailed. 18 coal cars came off the tracks, fell onto their sides, and spilled their coal. Mansfield TX July 27, 2015 a coal train with more than 130 loaded coal cars derailed in a Dallas suburb. An official said the crash spilled a lot of coal in an area away from any homes or other buildings. Emergency crews doused a small area of smoldering wreckage to prevent a larger fire. Kennard, Nebraska. Jun 15, 2015 A Union Pacific coal train with 133 coal cars derailed in Washington County near Kennard, Nebraska. A U.P. spokesman said six coal cars derailed. The derailment initially closed all three entrances into Kennard including the entrance off U.S. Highway 30. Amazonia, MO June 13, 2015 A BNSF coal train jumped the tracks and 31 coal cars derailed. The derailment disrupted railroad traffic and closed one road. Hudson, CO March 22, 2015 A120-car BNSF train with 120 loaded coal cars carrying 17,000 tons of coal derailed near the town of Hudson. At least 27 freight cars derailed and spilled their coal. The train was traveling from Wyoming’s Powder River Basin to La Junta, Colorado. Amtrak’s California Zephyr line had to be rerouted. Louisville NE February 17, 2015 A BNSF coal train with 119 loaded coal cars derailed near Louisville. 33 of the loaded coal cars derailed and six overturned. A BNSF spokesman said, “the spilled coal will have no impact on the environment or surrounding community.” McGrew, NE February 12, 2015 A Union Pacific coal train with 135 loaded coal cars derailed. 32 coal cars came off the tracks and an unspecified number spilled their coal. Rail cars can carry up to 120 tons of coal so the 32 cars could have been spilled as much as 3,800 tons (over than 8 million pounds) of coal. Nebraska City, NE February 5, 2015 A Union Pacific coal train with 135 loaded coal cars derailed. Three cars landed on their sides spilling their coal. About 350 tons of coal fell onto the tracks and roadway halting traffic at three intersections on the north side of the city.

2014 Alberta, CA December 26, 2014 A Canadian Pacific train derailed near Banff National Park. Six cars carrying coal ash fell off a bridge over 40 Mile Creek and spilled their contents into the water. Fremont, Neb. Dec 26, 2014 A Union Pacific coal train consisting of three locomotives and 136 coal cars derailed in western Dodge County. The derailment occurred just south of U.S. Highway 30, west of North Bend. A UP spokesman said 22 coal cars derailed. Paris, KY December 15, 2014 A CSX coal train with 100 loaded coal cars derailed. Four coal cars derailed. Three of the derailed coal cars fell off the track and landed upside down in Stoner Creek spilling their coal into the water. Additionally the derailment damaged Paris’ main sewer line causing raw sewage to flow into Stoner Creek. Crews said it would take months to completely clean up after the train derailment.

By Sean Moody, Jerrika Insco 12/15/2014 CSX coal train derailment PARIS, Ky. WKYT News

Waco, NE October 19, 2014 a loaded BNSF coal train derailed in Waco. 28 loaded coal cars derailed. 27 of the derailed coal cars fell on their sides spilling their coal, blocking both sets of tracks and closing Waco’s Main Street. Montgomery, PA August 15, 2014 A Norfolk Southern coal train struck a truck at a railroad crossing killing the driver and passenger. The NS/Brick Church Road grade crossing had no active warning systems such as flashing lights, crossing gates and bells Nisbet, Lycoming County, PA July 21, 2014 a loaded Norfolk Southern coal train derailed. The last twelve cars detached from the rest of the train and went off the tracks including four cars that fell on their side spilling the coal. Willis, KS June 4, 2014 a 134-car Union Pacific coal train travelling from Wyoming to Arkansas derailed. A UP spokesman said wind from a powerful storm pushed 52 loaded coal cars off the tracks and onto their sides. Cass County, MN May 12, 2014 A BNSF 122 car coal train heading from Montana to Wisconsin derailed. 50 coal cars derailed and spilled their coal. Coal and crushed metal littered the area and the County Sheriff asked citizens to stay out of the area during cleanup that could last for several days. Bowie, MD May 1, 2014 A CSX coal train with three locomotives and 63 coal cars derailed in Bowie. CSX said about 10 coal cars went off the tracks. Photos showed at least one coal car had overturned and spilled its load of coal. Montcalm, VA April 15, 2014 A Norfolk Southern coal train with 180 coal cars derailed. 12 coal cars went off the tracks in the derailment. Olney, MT March 2, 2014 an empty BNSF coal train derailed in western Montana and closed a portion of U.S. Highway 93 near the town of Olney. 45 empty coal cars derailed and some of the coal cars derailed on a bridge over the highway. An Amtrak spokesman said Amtrak trains would be held in Spokane and Whitefish until the tracks are cleared. Prince George, B.C., Canada February 25, 2014 A Canadian National coal train derailed in a remote area and closed CN's mainline between Prince George and Tumbler Ridge. 24 loaded coal cars left went off the tracks. Terry, MT February 24, 2014 A BNSF train with 115 rail cars loaded with coal from Wyoming’s Powder River Basin derailed. 29 cars each with about 120 tons of coal left the tracks. Each of the 29 cars carried about 120 tons of coal but BNSF did not state how much of that approximate seven-million-pound load spilled from the tipped cars. BNSF takes over ownership of spilled coal and tries to find a secondary customer with “a beneficial use” for it. If BNSF can’t find a secondary customer, then the coal goes to a landfill that is authorized to take coal spillage. Calendonia, WI January 19, 2014 a loaded Union Pacific coal train headed from Wyoming to Chicago with three locomotives and 135 coal cars derailed. 19 coal cars jumped the track and some hung precariously off a bridge threatening the road below. Caledonia Police closed Five Mile Road between Highway 38 and Nicholson Road while the scene was cleared. Approximately 40 trees were cut down so that heavy equipment could be brought in to clean up the wreckage and spilled coal. Dunnellon, FL, January 17, 2014 A Florida Northern Railroad coal train with 100 coal cars derailed along Highway 41 near Dunnellon. 11 cars derailed and nine turned over spilling approximately 500 tons of coal into a wooded area. Burnaby, BC Canada January 12, 2014 A Canadian Pacific Railway train with 152 loaded coal cars derailed in Burnaby, B.C., sending seven cars off the tracks and spilling coal into a creek that feeds into Burnaby Lake. Three derailed coal cars fell onto their sides and four remained upright. Some of the coal went into a creek flowing into Burnaby Lake, an area designated as a sensitive fish and wildlife habitat by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The coal was from mines in B.C.'s Kootenay region and was destined for Neptune Bulk Terminals in North Vancouver. A major road near the tracks was closed for several hours as crews removed debris. 2013

Keithville Louisiana December 30, 2013 An empty BNSF coal train collided head on with a southbound Union Pacific freight train. The three leading locomotives and one car from the UP train derailed. Two locomotives and 11 cars from the BNSF train derailed. Three UP crewmembers and one BNSF crewmember were injured. Damages were estimated at $7.8 million. Bloomington, IN October 23, 2013 A coal train with 101 coal cars derailed in Monroe County. The train was carrying coal from Carlyle, Indiana to Indianapolis. Six cars left the track and knocked down power lines in the area. Burleson County, TX August 2013 14 coal train cars derailed and blocked an intersection. Rushville, MO July 2013 A coal train with 2 locomotives and 134 cars derailed. Nine coal cars came off the tracks. Albermarle, VA July 18, 2013 A CSX coal train with 150 cars derailed. The train was headed from Peach Creek, West Virginia to Newport News, VA. 29 cars went off the tracks and overturned spilling over one thousand tons (over 6 million pounds) of coal near Scottsville. De Soto, IL June 19, 2013 A Union Pacific coal train derailed. Seven coal cars went off the tracks. Traffic was rerouted until cranes could arrive and lift the train. No injuries were reported. Peoria, IL May 17, 2013 four Union Pacific Railroad train cars derailed spilling loads of coal right underneath the Harmon Highway Bridge in Peoria. Grand Junction, IA May 9, 2013 A coal train derailed and 13 of its derailed coal cars fell into the side of a passing westbound intermodal train causing 22 cars of the intermodal cargo train to derail. The coal train cars pushed into and derailed cars the intermodal train cars. Bridgeport, NE April 21, 2013 a southbound BNSF coal train with 124 coal cars derailed. 15 coal cars came off the tracks.

Aerial view of BNSF train derailment on Sunday, April 21, 2013 in Bridgeport, Nebraska. Photo Courtesy of Krystal Aulick. Fremont, NE April 8, 2013 A Union Pacific train consisting of three locomotives and 138 empty coal cars derailed. 21 cars went off the tracks. The train was headed from Wisconsin to Wyoming. A UP spokesman said the cause of the derailment is being investigated, but heavy winds are suspected. Kenner, LA March 25, 2013 A Canadian Pacific coal train that was carrying coal in 141 rail cars from southern Illinois to Convent, La. derailed. 14 cars derailed as the train was traveling about five to 10 miles per hour. Four cars derailed and fell over spilling their coal. The other 10 derailed coal cars remained upright. The derailment blocked Farm Avenue and Morey Street. Authorities said they are concerned that if more of the coal cars fall over flying debris could injure residents of the nearby homes but they did not issue an evacuation order. Saginaw, MI March 22, 2013 Two rail cars loaded with coal rolled onto their sides and at least five coal cars were off the tracks. Nashua, NH March 7, 2013 A Pan Am coal train derailed near the Nashua River and Bridge Street crossing. Eight loaded coal cars derailed but remained upright and no coal spilled. 100 feet of track and wooden decking were damaged. Swartz, LA March 5, 2013 A Union Pacific coal train with three locomotives and 136 coal cars derailed. 10 loaded coal cars overturned spilling the coal. Missoula, MT March 5, 2013 A loaded coal train heading to Portland, OR derailed. Three rail cars came off the tracks and tipped over spilling approximately 80 tons of coal. Sterling, CO March 1, 2013 A coal train derailed east of Sterling and sparked a number of small grass fires. 12 empty coal cars went off the tracks. Lilbourn, MO February 26, 2013 A loaded Union Pacific coal train with three train engines (two in front and one in the rear) and 119 loaded coal cars derailed. The derailed train closed many of the town's railroad crossings. 20 of the loaded coal cars went off the tracks - 13 flipped over onto their sides and three remained upright but off the track. A Union Pacific spokesperson says they expect it to take about a month to clear everything from the tracks.

Derailed coal cars 2/26/2013 Lilbourn. Scott Seal/Portageville Missourian-News Bloomington, MD February 18, 2013 CSX Corporation reported that a coal train with 73 cars derailed in western Maryland. The train was traveling from Grafton, W.Va., to Mount Storm, W.Va. Gore, WV February 9, 2013 A CSX coal train with two locomotives and 80 freight cars carrying coal to Brunswick, Maryland derailed. One locomotive and at least five coal cars derailed and fell onto their sides causing coal, diesel fuel and oil to spill. The Fire Chief said the locomotive’s fuel tank ruptured causing the diesel fuel and oil to leak. Nearly 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel leaked onto the ground and into the West Fork River. The Fire Chief also said 500 gallons of engine oil leaked from the train but did not reach the river. Workers used heavy equipment to widen the narrow road that leads over the tracks and to a nearby home. Officials said the family living in the home was relocated to a motel. Before the engine could be dragged out, workers knocked down trees and put heavy gravel down to support its weight. A man working on the clean-up project was hit in the head with a crane and suffered non- life threatening injuries.

2/9/2013 Gore West Virginia by Adam Tobias Staff Writer The Exponent Telegram

Aberdeen, SD February 2013 Eleven cars derailed when cars from a train carrying grain fell into the side of an empty BNSF coal train west of Aberdeen. A BNSF spokesperson said no one was injured in the accident. At least two of the grain cars were lying on their sides with corn spilling into a ditch. Fairbury, Nebraska February 3, 2013 a loaded coal train with 142 coal cars derailed southeast of Fairbury in a rural part of Jefferson County and specifically, “in the backyard of a home”. Fortunately, the couple living in the home were not injured. The 41 derailed and toppled coal cars made a massive mess with wrecked coal cars piled 30 feet high and several thousand tons of coal scattered across the countryside.